CANNON TIMES
A Newsletter For Cannon Staff 2018-2019
Principal Points - Week of February 4, 2019
"WHERE FOCUS GOES, ENERGY FLOWS" - Tony Robbins
Over the last two years, we have had the great fortune to be part of a school which has had a huge FOCUS on physically transforming the learning environment for our students. While there was certainly a need for a new school to be constructed, due to a long list of "issues" that existed in our old school (mostly due to foundation concerns) there was also a huge FOCUS on the need for a transformation in our learning spaces, in order to align with the transformation in our teaching & learning practices, which have evolved since the inception of our STEM program.
In an article I recently read, Designing Learner-Centered Spaces, by Eric Sheninger, he states, "If learning is going to be transformed, then the spaces in which that learning takes place must also be transformed. Leaders who intentionally design schools understand that design empowers learning. As the learning space has been studied, considerable evidence indicates an explicit relationship between the physical makeup of the environment and educational outcomes."
In his book, he compares this need for transformation in learning spaces to some of the amazing changes that are taking place in workspaces around the world. Many people have become enamored with what places such as Google and Pixar have done to improve working conditions for their employees—and these companies have exhibited great success, which they contribute to their FOCUS on providing "workspaces that are not conventional". These types of workplaces have embraced the belief that a creative work environment motivates and inspires innovation.
So....to get better results, they FOCUSED on intentionally incorporating elements into their workspaces that foster creativity, collaboration, flexibility, and communication!!
Recently, Huckabee was on campus, interviewing & filming Cannon scholars and staff about our new learning spaces. After watching the video they just produced from this day, it is clear that the intentional FOCUS on the design for our new school has been impactful. Much like the intentionally designed workspaces at Google & Pixar, our intentionally FOCUSED school design has also inspired motivation and innovation, both for our students and our staff!
So, FOCUS really makes a difference.
We are constantly making decisions about our attention, where to FOCUS it, and how to spend it. We all have a choice when it comes to our attention and what we choose to FOCUS on. We choose to FOCUS on things we value, on the things we find interesting or rewarding or helpful. And we also withhold our attention and choose not to FOCUS on things that seem less valuable to us.
Our students are no different. They also make choices about where to FOCUS their attention.
In the video below, Kristi states, "For once, we have a building that is working for us." I couldn't agree more! Now, it's up to all of us to ensure that we maintain the momentum our new learning spaces has inspired. We must keep our FOCUS on developing this new energy, a "force in learning" that will continue to pull in our students, in every classroom, every day.
"WHERE FOCUS GOES, ENERGY FLOWS" - Tony Robbins
It is SO exciting to be part of this incredible journey with all of you! Enjoy the video below, featuring OUR workplace! There's no place I'd rather be!
Proud to be your principal,
Tona :)
#BeCannonProud
__________________________________
Lisa's Coaching Corner
I recently ran across a podcast called STEM Everyday. I read through the list of episodes and listened to a few that made me realize what an incredible program we have based on engineering. It was actually a really a feel-good moment! Then the third episode that caught my eye was with Dr. Ken Scheel the inventor of Keva Planks. Just like I love to hear from an author about their process of thoughts behind writing a book, I also loved listening to his intentions of designing the planks. This was really enlightening for me.
Dr. Scheel explained that Keva planks are so simple, yet they open the door to building without “being overwhelmed” with so many different types of pieces. The nature of Keva without any connector pieces depends on balance, counterbalance, gravity, and fulcrum (pivot) point at such a young age which are higher level building skills.
Keva allows students to connect literature by building anything from the story. This is a great motivation for reluctant readers if they are reading for the purpose of designing! Creating structures that are pleasing makes the builders becomes architects and artists because they are blending the aesthetic piece with science.
Unfortunately, many students do not create and build outside of school or in their preschool years because of overuse of technology. Please take a moment to google or check social media of the amazing things built with Keva to inspire new ideas for you also. This podcast was exactly what I needed to be able to speak in a professional manner about the purpose and science behind the Keva plank! We have to understand "the WHY" to be effective:).
__________________________________
DATES TO REMEMBER
02/04 Fire Drill - 8:00 am
02/04 TELPAS training - 3:00-3:45 in Learning Commons
02/05 Positive Proof ID - 9:00-9:30
02/05 PLC Week A - 3rd grade 2:15-3:45
02/05 FLL 4th Grade Parent Information Meeting - 5:30-6:30 pm (current 4th parents only)
02/06 PLC Week A - 4th grade 2:15-3:45
02/06 Talent Show Rehearsal - 3:00-4:00
02/07 PLC Week A - 5th grade 2:15-3:45
02/08 Play It Safe - all grades during Specials
02/08 1st Grade Holiday Parade in K-2 academic wing 2:25pm
02/11 Author Visit - Joe Hayes
02/11 U.CAN - 3:05-3:45 Learning Commons
02/12 Fire Drill - 8:10
02/12 PLC Week B - Kindergarten 2:15-3:45
02/13 PTA hosts Chocolate Sweet Treats for staff in Teacher Breakroom - ENJOY!
02/13 PLC Week B - 1st grade 2:15-3:45
02/13 Talent Show Rehearsal 3:00-4:00
02/14 Staff Potluck Lunch! Hosted by office & Specials staff
02/14 PLC Week B - 2nd grade - during conference period
02/14 Valentine's Day parties - 2:00 pm
02/15 Kid's Heart Challenge Kickoff Begins - during P.E. classes
02/15 K-5 Teacher SMU Maker Education Professional Learning 1/2 day - subs will be provided. See information in this newsletter!
02/18 Professional Learning Day for all staff - Student Holiday
02/18 Engineering Week!
02/19 PLC Week A - Kindergarten 2:15-3:45
02/20 2nd grade field trip to FWMSH 8:45-2:00
02/20 PLC Week A - 1st grade 2:15-3:45
02/21 PLC Week A - 2nd grade 2:15-3:45
__________________________________
CONGRATULATIONS!!
__________________________________
REMINDERS AND UPDATES
TELPAS TRAINING INFO FROM ANNE
Prior to the TELPAS training on Monday after school, Anne has asked that you watch/listen to the presentation below. Please follow the directions below to ensure the audio plays correctly. There is audio on every slide.
Directions:
1. Click on the TELPAS training link below.
2. Download the presentation to your laptop.
3. Open the presentation.
4. Put it in presentation mode so that you hear the audio.
If you are unable to view the presentation before the training let Anne know and she will need to schedule to meet with you at another time. Everyone MUST view the powerpoint and attend the training before your calibration date. Please let Anne know if you have any questions.
FEBRUARY BOOK OF THE MONTH
Our Cannon scholars will be challenged to create a spoon sculpture and various grade levels have been assigned different "themes" for their spoon sculpture, with K-1 creating animal spoon sculptures; 2-3 will design spoons based off of book characters; and our 4-5 Cubs will create a spoon sculpture to represent a specific strand of engineering. Please encourage your scholars to participate in this month's book challenge and turn them in to the Learning Commons by 2/11. We would LOVE to have these sculptures on display when Joe Hayes visits our campus, so that he can check out all of the creative designs!
Check out all of the design challenge criteria and details in the Book of the Month S'more below and please share the Adobe Spark video with your Cubs so that they can see some awesome examples of spoon sculptures for inspiration! Also included below is a copy of all of the BoM details in Spanish!
MAKER TRAINING-Friday, Feb. 15th
Our SMU partners, Dimitri and Rob, will be leading a half day professional development for all Cannon classroom teachers. This training will provide hands-on experiences around maker processes that enhance classroom understandings. Get ready to take a deep dive into maker philosophy discussions, engage in innovative learning, and connect content with maker ideologies.
K-2 teachers should plan to participate in the morning and 3-5 teachers will participate in the afternoon. A substitute schedule is being developed and will be shared with all K-5 teachers soon!
VALOR APPLICATION PROCESS BEGINS SOON!
The goals of the VALOR program are to:
- Build the capacity of teachers to reflect collectively and individually on their practices and build a network of educators engaged in improving their craft through ongoing job-embedded, observation, feedback, collaboration, and scholarship.
- Develop teachers at every campus, in every grade level, and in every subject level across the district whose practices exemplify the principles of LEAD 2021, and who are eager to share their knowledge with others.
The structure of the VALOR program provides opportunity for:
Job-embedded PD
Participants to gain specific information for grade level/content by:
Getting feedback from peers/coach observing in your classroom based on group and personal goals
Reflect with like minded peers
Study/read together (articles and books)
Visit classrooms all over the district to see LEAD 2021 in action
Currently, Jennifer Pettit & Marina Luepnitz have been very involved in VALOR for the last two years. I would encourage any staff that is considering applying for VALOR to talk to them to learn more! You can also HEAR FROM TEACHERS OF VALOR by clicking here!
#TxEdTuesday
Each Tuesday, educators from across Texas are sharing about the great things going on in their schools and using #TxEdTuesday on social media. We have a lot of amazing things happening in GCISD and we want to shower social media with stories about our district - from the classroom to extracurricular activities. Here is the flyer for #TxEdTuesdaythat identifies the weekly themes. Please post something exciting happening on your campus every Tuesday from now until the end of May. Collectively, we can tell the story of GCISD and share how we are Building Excellent Schools Together!
Love Your Device Contest
The Love Your Device contest is back this year with expanded topics to include digital citizenship! Check out our website for detailed information about rules and how to submit entries. Students may work individually, as a small group or as a class. This year's contest is for grades K-8.
The basic information for students:
1. Design a project, a video, a poster, or a slide show covering any aspect of device care or digital citizenship.
2. Submit your entries by February 7. Winners announced February 14.
3. Prizes include t-shirts, tech toys, popcorn parties and more.
Your campus will receive posters soon to help advertise the contest. Feel free to include the information in parent newsletters or other communications.
Contact Kat Sparks if you have any questions. Happy creating!
__________________________________
Worth A Read, Watch or...Listen!!
JUST FOR FUN....this video which demonstrates complex concepts of electromagnetism in such a simple way is fascinating! Watch The World's Simplest Electric Train here, which uses only a battery, magnets and copper coil. So cool!
AWESOME LESSON IDEAS WITH THE GREEN SCREEN can be found on this great resource. The resource offers some inspiring ideas on ways the green screen can be utilized!
SUPER BOWL 2019 COMMERCIALS are already receiving their "grade" from the public. Click here to see some AWESOME previews of Super Bowl commercials! My personal favorite is the one embedded below, because as a STEM nerd, I loved the connection to alternative energy, and as an old lady, I loved the Bob Dylan connection as well! :)
__________________________________
DISTRICT ASSESSMENT & STAAR UPDATES
2nd ROUND OF EMBEDDED ASSESSMENTS
Finalized Spring EAs are now in Humanities curriculum. Unpacking resources can be found in the embedded assessment section of the unit to serve as a possible guide for unpacking that EA as teachers enter the unit.
STAAR RESOURCES & UPDATES
INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES PLAYLIST FOR TEACHERS 2018-2019 is a terrific resource that many of our Cannon staff is currently already using, not just as STAAR resource, but as a great resource for instructional/formative assessment strategies that you may have never tried. These playlists of strategy suggestions are extensive and are categorized by:
- movement and discourse playlist
- rehearsal and practice playlist
- extending thinking playlist
- learning from mistakes playlist
- evidence of learning playlist
Tip from one of our local professionals - Lexi Rix includes this link in her weekly lesson plans with a reminder to try a new instructional strategy each week - GREAT idea!
STAAR Mini-Practice Tests
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is releasing a series of mini-practice tests, including Spanish versions, that are meant to provide students an opportunity to practice using new online features in the STAAR Online Testing Platform ahead of the spring 2019 test administrations. The mini-practice tests will include the basic calculator tool (English and Spanish versions for mathematics), the dictionary tool (English and Spanish versions for reading and writing), and American Sign Language (ASL) videos (English versions only). These mini-practice tests will be available in the STAAR Online Testing Platform beginning December 31, 2018.
__________________________________
CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION CORNER
Science Blog and Curriculum Map Information
If you teach science, please take some time to read the GCISD Science blog and watch the screencast explaining our newly designed elementary science curriculum map. Please subscribe to the blog in order to stay up to date!
__________________________________
INFORMATION TO SHARE IN PARENT NEWSLETTERS
HISTORIC BRICKS AVAILABLE!
Are you interested in receiving a brick from our old Cannon building, as a keepsake? We have had several requests for bricks, so we collected and set aside a large number of bricks to have available for those who are interested.
If you are interested in receiving a brick, please complete this form. This form must be completed by Friday, February 8th. Since we have a limited number of bricks available, the form deadline may be adjusted, based on the number of requests we receive.
We will notify all parents who are interested in receiving a brick to let you know when they will be delivered to our site and are available for pick-up. If you have any questions, please let us know by contacting the school office at 817-251-5680. Thank you!
GOT OLD ELECTRONICS?
Do you have any small old, broken electronics gathering dust? We are collecting these for our Breaker Space and our 4th grade scholars also have a project coming up and could use your old electronics to explore!
Suggestions for small items to donate: (No items with GLASS screens please! )
- Electronic toys - we LOVE these!
- Keyboards
- Remotes
- Small appliances (hair dryers; coffee makers; toasters; styling tools, etc...
- Clocks
- Phones
- Smoke detectors; Flashlights; Tools
- We would love to learn from anything you might have!
Please drop these items off in the front office or send them to school with your students to be taken to the office. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!
You Art What You Eat Contest
You Art What You Eat Contest The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) annual You Art What You Eat statewide student art contest is here! The student art contest offers Texas students a chance to earn statewide recognition for themselves and their school. Student winners receive a custom prize package and their artwork will inspire the design for TDA's National School Lunch Week and School Breakfast Week campaigns!
To enter the art contest, students w ill create artwork highlighting good nutrition and TDA's theme for National School Lunch Week 2019 / School Breakfast Week 2020. The new theme is "Save the Day with a Healthy School Lunch/ Breakfast" This year TDA provides teachers with a new , easy way to upload and submit student entries.
The Submission Packet and Guidelines can be found online at www.SquareMeals.org/artcontest. The submissions deadline is April 12, 2019. Please join TDA in encouraging students to focus their artistic talents on healthy school meals by entering the You Art What You Eat statewide student art contest.
RACHEL'S CHALLENGE SHIRT CONTEST
Students, you could be the artist behind our new Rachel's Challenge shirt for 2019 and everyone could be wearing your artwork. See the details in the flyer. Spanish Flyer
Parent Technology Academy
GCISD Parent Technology Academy is BACK! Come and learn along with others about the ever-changing world of technology in which your children are living!
Spring Parent Technology Academy Sessions
GCISD Technology is excited to announce our Spring Session line up with several new sessions. Stay tuned as more will be added to our list as we keep receiving the request from the community.
February 12th - Hour of Code - Parent Edition -SIGN UP HERE
Come dive in and experience what students across GCISD do each day with hands-on activities around coding
February 26th - Understanding Minecraft ( Presented by Microsoft) -SIGN UP HERE
Come and learn about the power of Minecraft in education, get tips directly for Microsoft on parental settings for use at home.
March 21st - Internet Addiction " Gaming"--SIGN UP HERE
More than 5 million kids may be addicted to video games. 31% of males and 12 % of females report that have felt addicted to gaming. Come to hear from Dr Kay Trotter, PhD, LPC-s, RPT-S from local Kaleidoscope Behavioral Health as she discusses the signs and symptoms of this growing addiction. Learn some tips and be a part of the discussion around online gaming and internet addiction.
April 16th - Apps Parents Need to Know -SIGN UP HERE
Take part in this interactive discussion around the growing world of apps that students are using. Go being the scenes to hear the truth behind the apps and what dangers there are to those who use them
Virtual Session Coming Soon - Fortnite ( a Parents Guide ) - SIGN UP HERE
Many have asked some come and experience Fortnite for parents. Hear about details of the game and dive into parental settings for the various gaming systems students use to play online.
All sessions can be found on the Parent Technology Academy Webpage
__________________________________
TWITTER REMINDERS FOR @canSTEM
BIG thanks to all of our staff members that have already been actively tweeting about the great learning going on in your classrooms!
Please help us reach our campus goal for all staff to participate in a 5-minute a day communication plan, as stated in George Couros's quote shown here. It's truly a simple way to SHARE & LEARN from the best minds in GCISD! I am going to be highlighting our school twitter account HEAVILY with parents & our school community, to help create our own "outward culture of celebration"!!
As a reminder, please include our school's handle, @canSTEM, and our hashtag, #BeCannonProud in all of your tweets, so that they can be automatically retweeted on our school account. At the end of the day, simply go to @canSTEM and scroll through our school's tweets for 5 minutes and see what your colleagues are sharing! If you want to learn more from them about an idea they shared....you will only have to walk across the building to get more information firsthand!
Please click here to see our staff list of social media accounts. Please add/update any information so that we can make sure we follow each other!
__________________________________
TO-DO LIST
- Set a timer and complete daily attendance ON TIME every day!
- Enjoy MONDAY JEANS DAY during February, beginning Monday, February 4th!
- Prepare for an 8:00 am Fire Drill on Monday!!
- Review the TELPAS training information in this newsletter & view the embedded presentation. Plan to attend training on Monday at 3:00 pm in Learning Commons.
- If you want a brick from the old Cannon, be sure to complete the form located in the Information to Parent section!
- Share information about the February Book of the Month and encourage your scholars to participate in this month's fun challenge!
- Mark your calendars for the 2/15 SMU/Teacher Maker training!
- Share information with your students about the Love Your Device contest.
- See the Information To Share With Parents section of this newsletter for communication about campus events & other district news that needs to be included in your own newsletters, blogs, etc...
- Please click here to see our staff list of social media accounts. Please add/update any information so that we can make sure we follow each other!
- Review the information in this newsletter about the 5-minute a day communication plan. Tweet & blog about all of the great things you are doing in your classroom/grade! Don't forget to use @canSTEM and our hashtag #BeCannonProud this year in all of your tweets!